Community Based Care & Supports

With the goal of helping children and youth return to their families or move toward independence, we offer residential programs that provide a safe and supportive environment from which to practice and learn healthy and positive skills.

We achieve this by providing opportunities for children, youth and families to flourish in a safe and supportive environment, offering individualized supports to meet the unique needs of our children, youth and families through connection and collaboration, and empowering children, youth and families to be active participants in the direction of their own lives.

Group Homes

BGCC has three group homes for youth between the ages of 13 and 17 years which are located in residential communities across the city. Two of the group homes are co-ed, while one group home is an all female home. Programming is based on a trauma sensitive, attachment-based approach. All referrals are made through Calgary Region Child and Family Services.

Foster Care

Children and youth between birth and 17 years of age, who are unable to live with their identified natural supports are offered foster care placements through the Calgary Region Child and Family Services. Foster homes are located in Calgary and the communities in the surrounding area.

Want to know more?

If you would like more information on becoming a foster parent, please contact us through one of these three ways:

What do our foster parents have to say?

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary, we believe our foster parents are at the core of our program. Our foster parents are what makes our program a great place to foster and we do our very best to support them. It’s important to hear what our foster parents have to say, so here are a few testimonials:

“I love being a foster parent, but even more when you have the amazing support of BGCC!”— Petrina, a long-term foster parent

“I chose to become a foster parent because I was a stay-at-home mom and felt that we had room in our hearts and home to give another child a family and stable home life. Providing them with a nurturing, caring environment to which they can grow and meet their potential. I love being a foster parent because it is a very rewarding experience to walk their walk with them…and as they are learning and growing, so am I! At BGCC you are well supported, acknowledged and valued as a team member. You will experience the best of best staff personnel. Their program staff go over and beyond for kids and families!”— Pam, a foster parent for 22 years

Apply to become a foster parent

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please click on the link below, complete the application form and email it to Fostercare@bgcc.ab.ca.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who can become a foster parent?A: You must be 18 years of age and have room in your home for a foster child.

Q: Do I have to own my own home to be a foster parent?A: No, you do not. Renting is just fine!

Q: My elderly parents live with me, can I still foster?A: Yes, this is possible. Any other adults who live permanently in your home will be included in the decision-making process for fostering. If this is your situation, please make sure to mention this if you inquire further about fostering.

Q: How many children can I have in my home?A: When you first begin fostering, you may only foster one or two children. This also depends on the space you have in your home. Down the road, you may be able to foster more than two children.

Q: Will I have a say in the age of the children/youth I foster?A: Yes, absolutely! We have discussions about the appropriate age range that are the best fit for your family.

Q: How will fostering affect my biological children?A: Fostering involves the whole family and will affect your children. The children of foster parents play a key role in the fostering household. It can be tough for children who find themselves sharing their parents with children who have led very different lives. However, many grown children state they are so thankful that their parents chose to foster as it gave them a different perspective on life, they learned a lot and then choose to foster themselves as adults.

Q: Do foster parents receive any training?A: Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary foster parents receive a variety of training throughout the year that help them understand the role of the foster parent and the children that live with them.

Q: I have been told that as a foster parent, it is important to have lots of support. What kind of support does the Boys & Girls Clubs Foster Program have?A: GOOD SUPPORT is essential for foster parents! This is probably one of the MOST important considerations when deciding which agency to foster with. Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary provides each foster parent with a Foster Care Support Worker whose job it is to provide guidance and leadership. The Foster Care Support Worker assists and supports foster parents to problem solve, complete paperwork and ensure training is received. There may be times when even more support is needed. During these times, Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary’s Foster Care Program utilizes the skills of a Trauma & Attachment Specialist who provides guidance, coaching and strategies to foster parents as needed. Both the Foster Care Support Worker and the Trauma and Attachment Specialist are available to accompany foster parents to meetings regarding the child. Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary also facilitates monthly support meetings where foster parents gather to support each other through learning and sharing.

Q: How much involvement would I have with the birth family?A: This depends on lots of things. First and foremost is safety. We also consider how comfortable the foster parent is with having contact with the birth family. Whatever the decisions may be, your Foster Care Support Worker helps guide you in these situations.

Q: Do I have the necessary skills to work with children who are in foster care?A: All families have strengths and all families are unique! So, all families come with different skills sets and that is ok! What is important is that as a prospective foster parent, you have the desire to be open and to learn. Parenting foster children is different from parenting your own children due to their experiences, but we help you to learn what that looks like! If you are able to provide a safe home, can provide children with a sense of belonging, are open and accepting, then we believe you do have the skills!

Q: If I have decided I would like to learn more about fostering or would like to apply to be a foster parent, what do I do next?A: You have two choices! Either call our Foster Care Program at 403-520-1503 or send us an email at Fostercare@bgcc.ab.ca.

Eleanor’s House

Eleanor’s House is a Voluntary Residential Transitional Community-Based program located in Calgary that provides shelter and support to young people who are at-risk of or involved in sexual exploitation. The program serves males and females between the ages of 13 and 17 who are at-risk of or who are currently involved in sexual exploitation. Referrals are made through Calgary Region Child and Family Services.

Who can access Eleanor's House?

Youth between the ages of 13-17

Youth At-risk of involvement or currently being victimized through sexual exploitation

Must be seeking access voluntarily and be willing to engage in the program.

Must have a voluntary agreement with a PSECA Coordinator status/involvement with Children’s Services

To report a child involved in sexual exploitation, call the Child Protection Line at 403-297-2995

Frequently asked questions

Q: How can I tell if my child may be involved in or at risk of becoming involved in sexual exploitation?A: These are some of the warning signs that your child may be involved in prostitution:

Frequently absent from home without your knowing their whereabouts

Frequently spending time in the downtown area of the city

Has unexplained money and/or new and expensive items

Dresses in a provocative manner

Associates with individuals involved in prostitution or drugs

Q: Does involvement in PSECA effect guardianship of the child?A: No, guardianship is not affected by PSECA status. Even when a child is confined in a protective safe house, the rights and responsibilities of the guardian remain in effect.

Q: If my child is picked up by the police while engaging in prostitution activities, will they be charged with solicitation?A: No, children involved in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and they will not be prosecuted as criminals. Instead, they are treated as victims and will be offered services to help end their involvement in prostitution.

What if I'm concerned my child might be involved in sexual exploitation?

If you are concerned that your child may be involved in sexual exploitation, click on the link below and complete the screening tool.

Grimmon House

Grimmon House is a voluntary, residential recovery program for female youth between the ages of 13-17 that are at risk of or involved in sexual exploitation and/or addiction. The Grimmon House program model is based on a holistic model of intervention founded on empirically supported approaches and interventions including the three pillars of trauma-informed care, the circle of courage model and the stages of change.

Who can access Grimmon House?

Residents of Alberta

Adolescent girls 13 years or older

Girls with PSECA Status

Girls who are ready and willing to enter into recovery

Must have a voluntary agreement with a PSECA Coordinator status/involvement with Children’s Services